Australian Pilot Extradited to US Over Alleged Role in Training Chinese Fighter Pilots

An Australian pilot, Daniel Duggan, is set to be extradited to the United States to face charges of training Chinese fighter pilots, following a decision by the Australian government to approve his extradition. Duggan, a former US Marine pilot, has been incarcerated in a maximum-security prison in Australia for over two years while contesting the request from the US authorities.

The decision was confirmed by Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, who announced on December 19, 2024, that Duggan would be handed over to US authorities in early 2025. Duggan is accused of providing training on how to land fighter jets on aircraft carriers, which allegedly violated arms trafficking laws. The charges are related to his work at a test flight academy in South Africa, with a presence in China, between 2011 and 2012.

The US indictment claims Duggan received payments for his services, which included teaching Chinese pilots to perform carrier-arrested landings. The charges could lead to a potential prison sentence of up to 60 years if Duggan is convicted.

Duggan's family has expressed their devastation over the decision, with his wife, Saffrine, criticizing the timing of the extradition approval just before Christmas. In a statement, she expressed the emotional toll on their children, aged six to 18, and questioned the lack of explanation from the Australian government regarding the decision. The family has maintained Duggan's innocence and is exploring legal options, including seeking clarification on the reasons behind the government’s choice.

The Australian government’s approval followed a ruling in May 2024, where a New South Wales magistrate determined Duggan was eligible for extradition. While the specific timing of his surrender is not disclosed, Duggan is expected to be escorted to the US between December 30, 2024, and February 17, 2025.

The US has long sought Duggan’s extradition, citing his involvement in arms trafficking and money laundering connected to his alleged training of Chinese pilots. However, the allegations have yet to be tested in court, and Duggan has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

As the case continues, Duggan’s family faces an uncertain future, deeply concerned about the possibility of a lengthy separation, especially as they approach the holiday season.